My family member has a 7 yr old indoor rottweiler and he has begun to lose weight rapidly and stopped eating. As of one month ago he was a seemingly healthy dog, a little over weight and lazy. I would say he has lost 25lbs in about 1 month. There is also a large bump on the top of his head, which has always been there, but considering the weight loss it is difficult to tell if it has enlarged or just more apparent. He is still drinking water and urinating, and very coherent but is not eating anything that is offered, and has become more lazy for obvious reasons.

I am very close to this family member, but they are refusing to take him to the vet due to guilt. When he was a pup he had surgery on his hawk that had him down and in pain for many months. Their theory is "We've put him through too much in his life". They love this dog, but are being stubborn and I do not have the finances to take him to the vet myself. Any advice is greatly appreciated, I'm afraid we are running out of time.

Thank you for your help!

Hi,
A Vet is the only good answer!
The bump on his head should be checked out by a Vet, and also given a checkup by the Vet. If they really believe that "they have put him through enough in his life", then it's really possible that he won't have much life left!
A dog, especially a Rott, needs about 45 minutes walk a day, every day. One reason he is not eating could be because he is just simply not hungry; being a "couch potato". This is not normal for him.
Dogs naturally run in packs. Notice the word "run". They need exercise, and the owners are not giving it what it needs. If it takes a 45 minute brisk walk, it will become hungry, if there is nothing wrong with his body, that only a Vet can determine. Dry dog food is best.
If you can get the family to watch a TV program, they will learn an awful lot. It's a GREAT program. Here is some information:
I highly recommend a video by Ceaser Millan, a Professional Dog Behaviorist. He rehabilitates dogs, and trains people.

He has his own TV program, the Dog Whisperer, on the NGEO (National Geographic) channel, on Friday nights mainly, but also comes on some other days. This video is available from:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
I also ordered his new book, "Ceaser's Way", from Walmart online, around $15 US, and it's very good!

There are other good videos available on the web, but this one is really worth your attention.

The dog right now is in danger with this families' attitude. If they don't take him to a Vet, are they ready to accept the responsibility of what might happen to him?
I do wish you the best, and good luck.

If this dog has lost this much weight in only a month, you should seek immediate medical attention. It is normal for any dog to go off their food but after three days of not eating, medical counseling should be sought. There are many reasons for the dog to stop eating, but as I am not a vet,
I while not try and diagnose him over the internet. You may if you would like to further research this try Pet Education.com it is a very good site when looking for an answer you really need. I hope this was in some way helpful to you. (O:

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